A campaign to tackle an expected increase in drink-driving during the World Cup has been launched across Cambridgeshire. Stop checks for breath and impairment tests to detect motorists driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will take place

A campaign to tackle an expected increase in drink-driving during the World Cup has been launched across Cambridgeshire.

Stop checks for breath and impairment tests to detect motorists driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will take place across the county.

The 37-day campaign is part of the constabulary's annual summer drink and drug-driving campaign, but this year the scheme has been extended until July 10 to coincide with the end of the World Cup.

During Euro 2004, there was a 30 per cent increase in Cambridgeshire.

Pc Mick McCready, casualty reduction officer, said: "With the summer here and the World Cup just days away, there is bound to be an increase in the number of people going out and drinking.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs - it is never safe to do so and we will not tolerate it on the roads of Cambridgeshire.

"Drink and drug-driving enforcement is an essential tool in reducing death and injury on the roads."

In the latest campaign during the Christmas and New Year period, 197 people were caught under the influence of drink or drugs while driving in just 34 days.

Pc McCready said: "Sadly, as we carry out more of these campaigns the number of people being caught driving whilst under the influence continues to increase.

"To those people, our message is clear - if you drive under the influence of drink or drugs, expect to be caught and brought to justice."

Anyone caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs can face a maximum penalty of a six-month prison sentence, £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.